Anorexia vs. Bulimia

Submitted by MJB Tue 12/02/2008
When we think of eating disorders, the two illnesses that quickly pop up into our minds are anorexia nervosa and bulimia. A lot of people often get confused with these two terms, but in reality, there is a world of difference between them. People afflicted with any of these two diseases have a common fear–the fear of gaining weight and getting fat. However, the means by which they deal with their fear differ. Bulimics eat a lot, become guilty, and try to compensate for their bingeing behavior by purging or fasting. Anorexics, on the other hand, simply do not eat at all. Between the two, anorexia nervosa is more dangerous, since anorexics are underweight. In fact, they are so underweight that you can literally see their bones through the skin. Bulimics are often of normal weight or even over weight, but their biggest problem happens when they vomit. Vomiting can corrode the esophagus and even cause fluid imbalances in the body.

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